Good Morning!

It was a bit foggy on the way to work... but once I hit Hwy 16, the clouds broke and the sun shone so bright!! It was simply beautiful!! And the air is starting to feel crisper (; I LOVE it!!

So last night was a blast! Yesterday was just so much fun. I went to lunch at UWT - and met up with Hannah, Jennalise, and Michal! What an amazing campus. It was SO much fun being there with students walking around!! (School just started on Wednesday). I miss the college atmosphere a lot and it was so refreshing to see students walking around and sitting on benches socializing together! It brings back so many fun memories! I'd love to have a job there on campus and be right in the midst of the action... After work, Jenna and I parked at church and then took the little transit deal back down to campus for dinner! We met a few gals/students and invited a couple of kids we met on the transit to the Rialto! Fantastic!!! At the time to accept Jesus, one of them stood up!! Jenna and I freaked out with joy! What an amazing night... His salvation fell and many students/adults recommitted to Jesus. We did have an after party - and I met a gal who is going to school here in Tacoma for two years - from Korea!! She is living with her Aunt and came with a friend from school...

Oh and - so much fun - we have two gals from YWAM staying with us! Frauke is from Germany originally, and Stasi is from Singapore! Amazing women - they work at the YWAM Las Vegas base. Frauke slept outside my bedroom last night so we got to chat a bit about her story and how she got into YWAM... So sweet! Maybe we'll get a picture with them before they head out!!

I'm not sure the plans for the weekend... So far there's discipleship and a kids meeting before church tomorrow...

More later, friends!

In honor of the fall... Actually I made an email advertisement with this fall photo I took and thought it would be appropriate for my blog as well... (:



Tonight we're having a student outreach at the Rialto! 7:00P.M. 9th and Broadway!

See you there!

Welcome, autumn!

What about obedience?

That’s what I pray this book will prove to be—a kind of teaching that God will use to bring about impossible obedience to Jesus. And all of that for the glory of God...

Therefore, my aim has been to probe the meaning and the motivation of Jesus’ commands in connection with his person and work. What emerges again and again is that what he is commanding is a life that displays the worth of his person and the effect of his work. His intention is that we not disconnect what he commands from who he is and what he has done.

Been studying and examining our heart conditions regarding rebellion. Above is a quote from the introduction of John Piper's new book - regarding obedience to Jesus' commands. What Jesus Demands from the World...

And on the other note (rebellion). Authority and Submission by Watchman Nee.

Happy Birthday Lora!

Yay! It was such a fun night!! Lora's Birthday... (: We went downtown Seattle to Ivars and then to Late Night Catechism at the ACT Theater... A beautiful place... What a great evening celebrating Lora. She is such a good friend!!!

It's a packed day tomorrow - with lots going on!!! (: Discipleship at 9, UWT at 10, Alison's wedding at 1, and church soon following! I can't believe a week has gone by!!

Oooh! Check out this picture. I love the reflection!


And outside on the pier...


Okay, time for beddy by! Love you!

David Crowder.

Enough said. Well almost. Have you seen them live? They're probably one of my most favorite bands. I love their hearts of worship. Last night we went to the Puyallup Fair. It was my first time experiencing it! The scones, elephant ears... Mmmm! My tummy was a little overwhelmed before the evening was over... but let's get back to David Crowder Band. It was an amazing concert! I LOVE that it's all about Jesus. It's worship. Focused on Him. It was my second time seeing them live and I would see them over and over again, if I could... They just usher you into His presence - with such humility and JOY. I love it!

In fact I remember it was a couple years ago when their cd, "Illuminate" had been released... and I would listen to that cd over and over during my drives from Greenville to Iowa Falls. Simply crying out in worship! So amazing. You've got to pick these albums up! Illuminate. A Collision.

And did I tell you how much I love my roommates? What a fun evening and now tonight we get to Celebrate Lora's 30th!! WOOOHOOO!! (: More to come.

Hey it feels fantastic to be bubbling with JOY today. (:

Love you!

Wow, I'm sorry I've taken SO long to write!! It's been pretty busy these past few weeks, and so much has happened, but here I AM!! (:

It's Wednesday evening and I am sitting in my home watching "Hitch" with Sandra while she grades Sarah's 10th grade English tests. I have to tell you how much I LOVE my house. It's so much fun. I've had a great time getting to know the gals. Jennalise and I have clicked like sisters. She's SO sweet. We've had great conversation and have really connected. It's like a slumber party. Hehe. We usually talk before bed and she's been such a friend these past couple of weeks. I love it. (:

Then there's Sandra. She is amazing. What a humble servant's heart. I love her too. I appreciate that we can always just hang out together. We've already had some fun dinner/movie dates and some quick errands/adventures. She's so much fun to be with - I appreciate her compassionate heart and tender spirit.

Sarah and I have gone on some great walks and spent some good time together at UPS campus. Such good conversation. I love that I can be real with her. Honest. And she's simple. A pure heart. Genuine passion for the Lord. Senesitive to others.

Susanne and Krista and I have had some good times too. They're so wise. Full of compassion. Discerning and full of joy.

It really has been the start of an amazing season.

My parents were here this weekend. Interesting for sure!! Check out our cinnamon rolls and time in Gig Harbor. (:







I was sick on Monday night. Woke up early on Tuesday morning throwing up ): - quite a bummer - but was so thankful for a day to rest. Spent most of the day sleeping but got some great time with the Lord. Felt like he was just as excited to spend some time with me. A necessary infilling. Do you ever get reminded how much you find comfort or get an empty filling of nothing by the things of the world or people or acceptance, rather than Jesus? Psalm 63.

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

I love it. It makes me think of all the needs of our physical body and spirit cry out for. A desperation. And I love how David then responds in worship with his whole being. I love it. A desperation and a satisfaction. Nothing goes unmet. Sometimes I hear His voice calling out - amidst my own desires/desperation to be filled. "Let ME be the one to fill you. I want to love you completely. I am the one who desires to KNOW the deepest parts of your heart. I long to hear and experience your yearnings and worship." Oh! You have got to read some writings by David Crowder. In fact - David writes about this Psalm in particular. Read this:

What would it be like if joy in the desert were as natural as our love for bbq on a Texas Sunda afternoon in the middle of August? What would it be like to know without quesiton that God is as present on the floor of the canyon as He is on the crest of the hill? To have this confident hope buried deep in our bones. To know no other than our Savior and feel the soul scream, "THIS is ENOUGH!! I need no more than You!! You are a feast! You are a cool spring! You are deliverance! You are a balm for all wounds! Your near presence is everything! It is breath! It is Life!"

Then there are these lines from Psalm 103. I love it too.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits -
Who forgives all your sins.
And heals all your diseases.
Who redeems your life from the pit.
And crowns you with love and compassion.
Who satisfies your desires with good things.
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles.

I love it. Oh Jesus, that you would FILL me up!! You ARE more than enough...

Tomorrow I'm going to see David Crowder. Friday it's Lora's Birthday!!! We're...... it's a surprise, but I'll be sure and share some pictures!!! (:

Alright, back to the movie... then I'm off to bed... Love you guys!!

Krista's Birthday!

  

It's Friday night again friends. Tonight I'm hangin over at my old house. Isabelle and I had a date with the Gentiles and then some rock-a-bye time before nighty night. So sweet. She has grown up so much and is such a lil girl now!! It's refreshing to just have an evening with nothing to do... In fact, I'm going to finish watching this movie before snuggling on this couch. More tomorrow!

Bethany